When people think of church growth, strategies like better preaching, dynamic worship, or modern facilities often come to mind. But according to Pastor Dino Rizzo, one of the greatest catalysts for lasting church growth is far simpler: outreach.
Dino Rizzo, a pastor, author, and leader within the Association of Related Churches (ARC), has built his life and ministry around the idea that churches cannot thrive if they remain isolated from the communities around them. His conviction is rooted in personal experience—he first encountered Christ through an act of outreach when a small church in North Carolina handed him a grape snow cone on a hot summer day. That small act of kindness stirred curiosity in his heart, opening the door for him to hear the gospel and ultimately give his life to Jesus.
Today, Rizzo’s story continues to inspire churches around the world to see outreach not as a side project, but as the very heartbeat of ministry.
Outreach Creates Connection
At its core, outreach helps the church build bridges with the people it is called to serve. “It’s almost impossible to grow your church if you’re not engaging with the community,” says Dino Rizzo. Whether it’s a Serve Day project, caring for widows, or supporting underfunded schools, outreach communicates to neighbors: You matter. We see you. We care.
This connection lays the foundation for trust, which is essential for any church seeking to reach beyond its walls.
Outreach Shapes Culture, Not Just Events
Many churches host occasional service projects, but Rizzo emphasizes that true growth comes when outreach becomes part of the church’s culture. At Church of the Highlands, where he serves as Executive Pastor, outreach isn’t a once-a-year event—it’s embedded into small groups, ministries, and the rhythms of church life.
This mindset shift is crucial. When service is seen as a lifestyle, every member becomes a potential outreach leader, turning ordinary moments—like conversations in a drive-thru or acts of generosity in a neighborhood—into opportunities for the gospel.
Outreach Unlocks Growth Without Barriers
Some pastors hesitate to prioritize outreach because of limited resources. But Dino Rizzo insists that effective outreach doesn’t require big budgets or massive teams. Sometimes, the simplest gestures—snow cones, sandwiches, or school supplies—make the greatest impact. As he reminds leaders, “You see a need, you meet a need.”
Outreach doesn’t compete with Sunday services; it fuels them. By serving the city, the church earns the credibility to be heard, and lives are changed.
The Future of Church Growth
In a culture that is increasingly skeptical of institutions but hungry for authenticity, outreach has become what Dino Rizzo calls “the new apologetic.” Acts of kindness speak louder than arguments, showing the love of Christ in a way that words alone cannot.
For pastors and leaders who want to see their churches grow, the path is clear: make outreach a priority. As Dino Rizzo’s life testifies, one simple act of service can transform a soul—and when multiplied across a community, it can transform a city.
About Dino Rizzo
Dino Rizzo, a 35-year ministry veteran, co-founded Healing Place Church with his wife, DeLynn, where he served as senior pastor for two decades. Through his passion for inspiring believers to serve their communities, Dino Rizzo founded Servolution and authored “Serve Your City.” Rizzo serves as the President of ARC (Association of Related Churches), which has planted more than 1100 churches worldwide, and is on the Senior Leadership Team at Church of the Highlands.
